Who is on the penny?

A:

Quick Answer

Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the United States, is featured on the penny. In 1792, the first one cent coin was minted with a portrait of a woman with long hair, which stood for liberty. Lincoln was featured on the one cent coin beginning in 1909.

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Although the front of the penny has included Lincoln's portrait since 1909, there have been different variations on the back. The first design that appeared on the reverse side of the penny was a wheat design followed by the Lincoln Memorial. In 2009, four variations of the coin were minted representing Lincoln's life. One variation had an image for Lincoln's birth in Kentucky, a second version represented Lincoln growing up in Indiana, a third portrayed his life in Illinois and the fourth variant highlighted his presidency in Washington D.C. Starting in 2010, the union shield design was featured on the back of the penny.